The existing diamond interchange at I-71 and US 36/SR 37 was constructed over 40 years ago and is the only interstate access in the central and northern part of Delaware County. Over 30,000 vehicles use the interchange each day to enter or exit I-71. Queuing onthe exit ramps at the interchange routinely extends onto the freeway mainline, causing operational and safetyconcerns. Stopped traffic on I-71 northbound during the afternoon peak hour is a near-dailyoccurrence as traffic waits to exit onto US 36/SR 37. Unfortunately, the resulting increase intraffic is crippling the potential for future growth. The safety project constructed in 2012 was intended to improve safety and reduce congestion at the interchange in the short term.

Project Updates

Project History

Recognizing the issues at this interchange, ODOT initiated a safety study in 2003. The study analyzed the high crash rates around the interchange and recommended modifications to lane configurations at the interchange and access management along US 36/SR 37. The study recommended solutions for the interchange. ODOT completed a project to address these safety issues in 2012. The studies emphasized that the solutions are for the near-term; “The capacity problems within this corridor are immense. The above recommendation pertaining to the interchange is a temporary solution until a permanent solution is developed.”

In 2007 another safety study was completed at the interchange. The crash analysis identified the need for capacity improvements, similar to those recommended in the 2003 safety study. Even with these improvements, capacity issues remained for design year 2032 volumes. The report states, “A complete interchange reconstruction project would be required to accommodate the intersection capacity requirements for the design year condition in the PM peak period.”

In 2008 an interchange feasibility study was conducted. This study acknowledges the proposed safety project planned for construction by ODOT in year 2012 but states, “Even with these improvements in place, this interchange is predicted to remain congested over the next two decades.” The traffic model for this study considers new traffic generated by the retail component of a Northgate Centre development proposed south and west of the existing interchange.

In 2009 an additional interchange feasibility study was conducted. The report begins with the following statement. “The existing US 36/SR 37 interchange is deficient and the Ohio Department of Transportation is currently involved in a number of initiatives to relieve congestion and improve safety conditions. However, with significant growth and expansion predicted in this area, a more comprehensive solution may be required.”

In 2010 and interchange modification study was conducted. This report was submitted to ODOT for review; however, the review was not completed.